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William Nylander's career timeline: From draft to deadline

June 27, 2014

It all started off so perfectly - a bright, sunny (assuming) day in Philadelphia - just like any movie. The Maple Leafs get their guy as William Nylander was taken eighth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It's been an amazing day! Thank you to my friends and family for always supporting me. Proud to be part of the @MapleLeafs#unreal

Less than two months later, the young ingenue signs a three-year entry-level contract worth $5.325M with an annual average salary of $1.775M.

"Not only does William Nylander bring a high level of speed and skill to his game but he has a very strong character on and off the ice," then-Toronto GM David Nonis said. "We believe he has a very bright future and are happy to have him signed to his first NHL contract."

Then, the 19-year-old center nets his first goal - the game-winning goal - on a Leafs power play in the third period against the New York Islanders and goaltender Thomas Greiss. He is all smiles and excited for what is sure to be a promising career.

A post shared by William Nylander (@williamnylander) on Mar 6, 2016 at 11:35am PST

2015-16 Season

In 22 games with Toronto, Nylander nets six goals and seven assists and averages 16:20 in playing time.

2016-17 Season

At just 20 years old, the Canadian-born Swede plays his first full season in the NHL. In 81 games he breaks out and records 22 goals and 39 assists, is named Rookie of the Month twice (October and March) and finishes sixth in voting for the Calder Trophy.

The young star also sees his first postseason action as he suits up for the Leafs' first-round elimination to the Capitals, scoring a goal and three assists in six games.

Everything is coming up roses.

Lost in Auston Matthews' record-setting 67th point is that William Nylander became the 4th Leafs rookie to ever hit 60 with his assist.

"Well, I'm a guy who just wants to: If we do it, (either) before the season or after," Nylander told Sportsnet prior to the season opener. "We're just trying to focus on the team, and the way I'm playing during the year."​

2017-18 Season

Things could have taken a turn for the worse here as he headed into his sophomore year, and the dreaded sophomore slump.

But no!

Nylander scores 20 goals and 41 assists in a full slate of games. The first-round pick matched his point total from the previous year in the playoffs as the Leafs lose to the Bruins in the first round in seven games.

A post shared by William Nylander (@williamnylander) on May 14, 2018 at 8:50am PDT

July 1

Dark clouds start to circle as the entry-level contract expires and Nylander becomes a restricted free agent. On the same day, John Tavares signs with the Maple Leafs leading to speculation if they'll be enough money to sign Nylander too.

Leafs open camp, and just like the O.K. Corral - although, maybe not as contentious and involving bloodshed - the standoff begins.

Sept. 25

#Leafs GM Kyle Dubas on PTS re Nylander: "Their camp has been focused on a long-term deal and ours as well. I think a bridge (deal) for both of us would be the sub-optimal solution to this. We continue to work primarily on long term deals with Lewis (Gross)."

Nov. 29

The Maple Leafs' priority/hope is still to re-sign William Nylander but my understanding with that with just two days to go to the signing deadline, Toronto has circled back to some teams suggesting they put their best foot forward on trade offers... which makes sense